While many believed Juan Soto would start the party this offseason, Willy Adames inked the first massive deal for a position player free agent, inking a seven-year, $182 million contract with the Giants, according to Jeff Passan.
The top available shortstop was highly sought after around the league, but he was San Francisco’s top target this winter.
According to Jon Heyman, the Braves, along with the Dodgers and Giants, were the most active pursuers of Willy Adames in trade talks before his free agency.
Adames is coming off a career year in 2024, setting career-best marks in home runs (32), RBIs (112), and stolen bases (21). There were rumors that other clubs like the Mets and Yankees were interested in moving Adames to third base, which created more demand, but he will slot in at shortstop for the Giants.
For a couple of reasons, it was always a long shot that the Braves signed Willy Adames in free agency. In a market where he was the clear-cut best option, the demand was enormous, especially considering his willingness to move off shortstop. Secondly, Atlanta has a ton of other holes to fill.
The Braves need to be much more worried about bolstering the rotation and outfield, along with the bullpen, before finding a long-term replacement for Orlando Arcia. Of course, we would all like to find an All-Star at shortstop, but Arcia, at a $2 million price tag, is going to win out the day… at least for now.
—
Photographer: Kiyoshi Mio/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.